Labour and Conservative governments 1964–1979 Flashcards
Assess the reasons for Labour victory in the 1964 election: Labour Strengths.
Labour’s leader, Wilson, presented himself as an average person on TV during the manifesto launch. The manifesto highlighted using tech to combat inflation and unemployment while maintaining economic growth, promised an improved welfare system. Wilson avoided discussing the nuclear issue and stated other industries would not be nationalised. They appeared more united.
Assess the reasons for Labour victory in the 1964 election: Tory Weaknesses
The Suez Crisis 1956 hurt the UK’s global influence, leading to the resignation of PM Eden, proving the UK was no longer a large power. France vetoed their attempts to join the EEC. Tory Alec Douglas-Home became the next PM, yielding his peerage to lead the party from the House of Commons.
The Duke of Argyll filed for divorce in 1963, citing his wife’s infidelity. During court proceedings, it was revealed she engaged in group sex activities with 88 individuals, including gov officials.
In 1963, John Profumo had an affair with a 19yo and initially denied it. There were rumours of ties to a Soviet attaché.
Assess the reasons for Labour victory in the 1964 election: Economy
In 1961, the economy showed signs of decline as there was a trade deficit with more imports than exports. The next year unemployment rates rose, and strike days increased. During the post-war era, the Labour Party had promised to achieve full employment, a pledge also adopted by the Conservative Party.
Assess the reasons why the Conservatives won the 1970 election: Tory Strengths
Heath wanted to begin formal negotiations for the UK to become an EEC Member. A policy document was established at Selsdon Park Hotel in 1970, which proposed free-market-oriented policies to address unemployment and inflation. As opposition leader, he sacked Enoch Powell after the Rivers of Blood speech. He promised less government Intervention.
Assess the reasons why the Conservatives won the 1970 election: Labour Weaknesses
The Ministry of Technology faced a high deficit, slowing progress. 1969 “In Place of Strife” proposed unions conduct a ballot before striking and make an Industrial Board to enforce settlements. This faced opposition from the Trade Unions Committee and Cabinet. The 1966 National Union of Seamen strike caused a state of emergency and economic decline.
Assess the reasons why the Conservatives won the 1970 election: Economy
Three days before the election, a report revealed an unexpected balance of payments deficit of 31 million.
Assess the reasons for the Conservative victory/Why Thatcher won in the 1979 election: Labour’s Weakness
In the Winter of Discontent, 1.5 million workers went on strike, causing bodies to go unburied and the loss of 30 million working days. PM Callaghan’s complacency led to a vote of no confidence and an election. Labour campaigned for NHS support and full employment, with a commitment to curb inflation and increase freedom.
Assess the reasons for the Conservative victory/ why Thatcher won in the 1979 election: Tory Strengths
Thatcher campaigned on economic issues, targeting skilled manual workers who disliked unions. She promised a Right to Buy scheme for working-class voters to buy their homes cheaply. Thatcher’s advisors worked with The Sun to print articles by ex-labour ministers and create the Labour isn’t Working poster.
Assess the reasons for the Conservative victory/Why Thatcher won in the 1979 election: Economy
Unemployment was at 1.5 million due to industrial decline. Inflation was high. Don Healy asked for an IMF Loan 1976 of 4 billion and insisted on deep cuts in public expenditure. This reduced social programmes.
